The recent acknowledgment from Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, highlighted the significant role that Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, played in his appointment. Speaking at an event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, Lokpobiri stated, “It is important to tell you, my brothers and sisters, that my standing before you today as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was made possible by Nyesom Wike.”

Lokpobiri detailed the journey that led to his ministerial position, revealing that it all began and ended at Wike’s residences in Port Harcourt and Abuja. “My second journey of becoming a minister started at the minister’s house in Port Harcourt, and it concluded in his house in Abuja,” he explained. He felt compelled to share this history, especially since he noted his name was absent from the list of those publicly acknowledged for benefiting from Wike’s support.

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Expressing his appreciation, Lokpobiri remarked, “It is always better to have a good friend than to have a bad brother. What use is a bad brother? It is of no use. But if you have a good friend, such as the FCT minister, you are already blessed.” He extended heartfelt gratitude to Wike on behalf of the Ijaw people, emphasizing their appreciation for his assistance and contributions to their community.

In a separate but related statement, Wike confidently addressed his critics, asserting that he remains untouchable despite attempts to undermine him. “It is not true that Ijaw people are fighting me. A father may have twelve children; one can be an armed robber. Where were they when we made an Ijaw governor?” he stated, reflecting on his political accomplishments and support for the Ijaw community.